What is transloading?

Transloading is the mixing of transportation modes to better support and satisfy the needs of
the customer. By blending the benefits of shipping by rail and local/short haul trucking, the
Batavia Transload Warehouse can provide more flexible solutions for customers who may not be
located on our freight railroads as well as those who have existing side tracks but need
expanded warehousing. Transloading works for many commodities including finished and unfinished
goods, fresh food and beverage products, lumber, paper, metals, building materials, a variety
of packaged bulk commodities as well as special shipments that cannot travel their entire route
by road.

Transloading can be used as a cost saving measure when pursuing rail service. Transloading
allows for the customer to reduce the costs of using rail freight. It improves flexibility and
improves reliability within the supply chain. Transloading is a viable option whenever a customer
does not currently have railroad tracks into or at their facility. Transloading can also be used to
supplement existing rail capacity without increasing capital expenditure.

How it works...
When companies need to move material by rail and either the shipper or the consignee does not
have direct rail access, a Transload is often the best answer. Transloading works both ways.
Whether it is railcar to truck or truck to railcar, the transload process is easy and efficient.
Follow the diagram below to better understand the process. Also, you may download our presentation on Transloading.

Ship.
The loaded railcar is shipped from its origin headed for the transload site. Car types including boxcars,
gondolas and flatcars carrying unitized commodities. Hoppers and tanks typically carry bulk commodities.
Each car type is purpose-built for the commodity being hauled.

Receive.
The freight car is received by the transload's host railroad. After receipt by the host railroad,
the freight car is spotted or placed at the transload.

Unload.
The contents of the freight car are then removed safely and efficiently. Bulk commodities are
unloaded in one of several ways, gravity outlets, pneumatically, or by a mechanical nature.
Unloading boxcars, gondolas and flatcars is accomplished using forklifts, cranes and other lifting
implements.

Store.
Sometimes at the option of the customer, the transload will store the commodity on-site until the
customer requests the material. This is often the case with non-perishable goods. Both short-term
and long-term storage agreements can be used as necessary.

Transload.
The commodity is transloaded to short-haul trucks for the final leg of the journey and the cycle
is complete. The transload process works just as well when goods are trucked to the transload and
loaded into railcars.